tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post56228316339779334..comments2015-05-03T11:12:16.639-07:00Comments on Gluten-Free Goddess Recipes: Dinner Out - Is It Worth It?Karina Allrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02967274458508952874noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-61324840992774864812008-06-20T08:19:00.000-07:002008-06-20T08:19:00.000-07:00Oh Karina, what an ordeal in Utah! I've had my sha...Oh Karina, what an ordeal in Utah! I've had my share of similar experiences, so I'm sending you a great big understanding (((HUG)))<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>Mary in Temecula CAMary_CKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06022653855853284443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-35964406742209430642008-06-18T11:07:00.000-07:002008-06-18T11:07:00.000-07:00When I first read this blog, I could not have told...When I first read this blog, I could not have told you that last time I had had a reaction!! Then my partner wanted to surprise me and took me to a new Mexican restaurant....OMG. The waiter did not know what gluten was and had no idea what to do. So, I told him to go ask the chef what I could eat. He came back, too quick, and told me to eat the shrimp dish. Well, long story short, I have been sick ever since. And I don't mean a little sick. I have been very lucky with restaurants, there is a place close to me that has a designated gluten free kitchen!! It is called Picazzos, they are located in Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale and Sedona, AZ and serve KILLER pizza, yes, PIZZA!!! If you come to Phoenix, I highly recommend them.<BR/><BR/>Sorry about your suffering and I hope you are feeling better!Donnanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-5217431052285908392008-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:002008-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00First of all I am not a celiac but I have allergie...First of all I am not a celiac but I have allergies including wheat, dairy, eggs, garlic and corn - and I have reactions to soy the same as milk. The best resources for me so far have been gf recipes, foods and websites!<BR/><BR/>On the topic of restuarants I have several comments - first of all I have always found that you have to literally follow your gut! If you see the eye roll get up and leave. I am a catering and restuarant manager for a college and I have been flooding the past 5-6 years with requests for allergy free, gluten free meals - I always try to be as accomidating as I can - I went to a local butcher recently to get a steak for a guy who had severe allergies to "preservatives etc" his reactions were migranes etc. The best thing I can suggest is to provide information - it is key! I have been treated to the most informed mother a couple years back - she faxed me 3 pages of things her son couldn't eat - she sent bread, lunchmeat etc and we made him dinner - he was the sweetest kid you can imagine - i was reading every label and storing an extra epi for him. But then again I guess the difference between me and the bangle girl is that I CARE - lol.<BR/><BR/>Take care - hope you are feeling better<BR/><BR/>PS Love the babycakes line - got the best belly laugh out of that one!Bethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-14989667737411533012007-06-21T05:19:00.000-07:002007-06-21T05:19:00.000-07:00I have been following your website on and off for ...I have been following your website on and off for almost half a year now. After reading these posts, I feel compelled to respond. <BR/><BR/>I have two toddlers that are allergic to soy, dairy and glutens (slightly more than a typical celiac)...and they are very sensitive. Although I have not been formally diagnosed myself, I *do* notice a big difference when I eat the SF/DF/GF diet. That said, when I create a "menu", it is allergy free. And when I do that, I use a lot of recipes from your website. I think I speak for all of your readers when I say that you are a tremendous, tremendous HELP to all of us...especially those who cannot cook!!! Please don't stop cooking and posting...it would be a tremendous loss to all of us if you did...we need you Karina!<BR/><BR/>As for dining out, we have the same problems but on a deeper level with the dairy and soy as well. What I have found (through another celiac) is the Japenese Bento Box (obento). They are a PITA to make...but usually they are "more enjoyable" to eat than dining out. But still you need to cook...<BR/><BR/>As for the cooking part...perhaps you can get together with other Celiacs in your area and have themed meals (such as Thai nite) several times a month where you go to each other's houses and "dine out"...or how about meeting up for a "pot luck"??? Then everyone can take home leftovers.<BR/><BR/>Just a thought...but please keep your spirits up and keep blogging!!! I hope you feel better!!!~Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04408493841697649811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-40012823709009525762007-06-13T07:37:00.000-07:002007-06-13T07:37:00.000-07:00Hi,I was sorry to read that many of you now don't ...Hi,<BR/><BR/>I was sorry to read that many of you now don't eat out. I'm in the UK and have found Indian and Vietnamese restaurants great, as nearly all dishes are naturally gluten free. With the Indians including the deep fried treats! :D<BR/><BR/>Obviously I still check, but I now have a network 'safe' restaurants.Kirstienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-11745951049105288792007-06-01T10:55:00.000-07:002007-06-01T10:55:00.000-07:00I am sorry you had a bad experience. I recently a...I am sorry you had a bad experience. I recently ate at the Center Cafe in Moab (April 2007) and had a wonderful meal. I imagine you just got unlucky with a bad server. Eating out GF is certainly an art. And it is one that you have to practice to become good at. I have been GF for over 3 years now, and I too at first feared eating out in restaurants. But you cannot eat in your home for the rest of your life. In fact I find eating out at other people's homes scarier than eating in a restaurant. <BR/>To be good at eating out GF style, you need to always ask questions, be insistent on what you want or don't want, and most importantly NEVER feel bad for ordering the food differently. They are a restaurant that sells food, they will make it how you want. <BR/>I never eat in fast food restaurants and I try to only eat in restaurants that I know have quality chefs and know how to prepare meals on the fly.<BR/>Basically, if you want to eat out in restaurants, don't be afraid to do so. You just have to be very clear on what you want.bridgettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08825067199364585431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-84578938961781896242007-05-22T09:43:00.000-07:002007-05-22T09:43:00.000-07:00Hi Everyone - and thanks for sharing your thoughts...Hi Everyone - and thanks for sharing your thoughts, stories and ideas about eating out...great posts!<BR/><BR/>:-)<BR/><BR/>We just got back from our son's graduation at Fitchburg State College [Massachusetts] and had<BR/>a very good meal at the Naked Fish, in Marlboro.<BR/><BR/>Steve and I had grilled salmon with mango salsa. Steve had coconut rice [he said it wasn't as good as mine ;-)]. I had uber-yummy garlic mashed potatoes.<BR/><BR/>They actually had several GF choices [we were given a gluten-free list of safe dishes - even desserts], and the waiter knew about eating gluten-free.<BR/><BR/>But the best part? He was very upbeat and positive about it, and couldn't have been more personable.<BR/><BR/>So if anyone here lives or travels to Massachusetts - and you need to eat out - try the Naked Fish in Marlboro - and ask for Mario.<BR/><BR/>Hope everyone is feeling great!<BR/><BR/>xoxo<BR/><BR/><BR/>KarinaKarinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02967274458508952874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-10059852791412483792007-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:002007-05-21T22:22:00.000-07:00Your experience at the restaurant must have been s...Your experience at the restaurant must have been so frustrating! Do visit Portland, Oregon some time, and dine at <A HREF="http://www.grollarestaurant.com/glutenfree.htm" REL="nofollow">Grolla Restaurant and Wine Bar</A>. One of the owners has celiac's disease; they <I>get</I> it. Amazing food, and we are so lucky to be so close.Johannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04502947994192779576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-2913591105631729052007-05-21T18:30:00.000-07:002007-05-21T18:30:00.000-07:00Karina, I'd be interested in knowing if you follow...Karina, I'd be interested in knowing if you followed up with the Chef too.<BR/>I think that they should hear your story. I just got back from NYC, we ate at the Risotteria (pizza) very good, very sensitive, I highly recommend it. Take care<BR/>KlayKlejahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10709669072490695208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-20924885927003072022007-05-21T05:15:00.000-07:002007-05-21T05:15:00.000-07:00I have just returned from a trip to Texas (I'm bas...I have just returned from a trip to Texas (I'm based in the UK) and I found it extremely difficult to manage. My hosts were great, but eating out was just too complicated, and I usually just had an undressed house salad. Everyone I met (without exception) had no concept of coeliac disease, and when I explained, I felt like I was being precious, or faddy. In the UK and Ireland, it is recognised as a disease and treated sympathetically - most of the restaurants in my town have a list of safe coeliac-friendly choices. But in the US, most of the food in the supermarkets has hidden gluten or wheat derivatives(including my usual life saver, natural yogurt), and labelling can be insufficiently detailed. So, I lived off fruit, miso soup sachets and tins of tuna, and craved plain steamed vegetables and rice. However, I was able to get one thing we can't get here - 100% corn tortillas, and I loaded my suitcase on the way home! I now have about 200 in the freezer! Eating out, certainly in Texas, was a real problem, compared to here, so I can sympathise with contributors who never venture out. I found that Thai restaurants were usually a safe-ish bet (rice noodles in abundance) but Thai food does tend to be quite sweet.Maevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09441799255010787375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-8046127609886197602007-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:002007-05-20T20:00:00.000-07:00I am so sorry to hear that you won't be able to pa...I am so sorry to hear that you won't be able to paint anymore. My daughter is an artist and I know what it would do to her if she could no longer paint.<BR/><BR/>We both just found out last month that we are gluten intolerant. I am feeling so much better! My husband and I eat out for breakfast at a place in town, where I have had good luck. The waitress told me she has other customers with celiac and she knows what things on the menu contain gluten. One day when I was ordering breakfast, I asked for sausage, and she said, "No, honey, you can't have it, it has fillers in it." So, she was on top of it for me. I hope I can find other places who care just as much.Fab Grandmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11731276173410889180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-54500021948601423902007-05-20T14:01:00.000-07:002007-05-20T14:01:00.000-07:00Wow, what a disappointing experience. I have had ...Wow, what a disappointing experience. I have had both that same experience, but have also had some very pleasant surprises. Eating out is something I enjoyed so much before having to go gluten free. I have been fairly lucky to have found some wonderful and understanding people where I live. Also, I have had the best luck with small places where they already knew me. <BR/> <BR/>We have a greek restaruant that I went to so often before celiac that I knew the owners and all the waitresses names and they knew mine. When I was really sick I stoped coming in and my friends had filled everyone in on why. My first trip back the waitress knew all about it and I didn't even have to tell her to not bring the bread. I also go to a small chinese place that I've gone to for years that has been really good to me.<BR/><BR/>I have to travel this summer for two weeks and I know there is no way to always have my own food and I will be taking my chances eating out. I guess the best thing to do is when you don't feel comfortable to walk out and go somewhere else. <BR/><BR/>I'm sorry that had to happen to you and I hope you feel better too. I really enjoy reading your blog and you give me a lot of encouragement as I've only been gluten free for about 4 months.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-17174617507595626202007-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:002007-05-19T14:36:00.000-07:00I see a light at the end of the tunnel for you, I ...I see a light at the end of the tunnel for you, I really do. Where vegetarian awareness was fifteen years ago, that's where gluten-free awareness is right now. <BR/><BR/>I remember the frustration of trying to eat out back in the day (and I'm not even vegan), but things have improved so much for vegetarians and vegans. Chefs learned how to prepare vegetarian food, and they will also learn how to deal with gluten-free and cross-contamination issues.<BR/><BR/>I'll tell you one thing, though, I never let anyone make me feel like the "problem" customer. No frickin' way. If they want my money, they are going to pay attention to my needs, period. If they treat me badly, they get a complaint letter and I tell everyone I know not to go there! <BR/><BR/>Likewise, when I'm treated well (like the chef who came out to speak to us and brought us fresh green garbanzo beans to taste, just for fun), I let it be known, both to the restaurant and to everyone I know.Lisa Braithwaitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10203279973932837403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-59548464108957579972007-05-19T04:25:00.000-07:002007-05-19T04:25:00.000-07:00Hi Karina - I haven't been reading people's blogs ...Hi Karina - I haven't been reading people's blogs for awhile, so was quite surprised to hear about all the problems you're having! I hope you're feeling better by now!<BR/><BR/>You're a creative soul, so I'm sure you'll pick another avenue to express yourself...one far safer, of course than painting. <BR/><BR/>Restaurant eating can be problematic, but I've found the more expensive the restaurant, the safer. In Atlanta there's a restaurant called Nava and the waiter actually said, "Just tell me what you want on the menu and we'll make it gluten free." Wow!!!<BR/><BR/>:)Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01289754508161808077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-48337284408635021002007-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:002007-05-18T19:24:00.000-07:00What a bummer! I thought Moab was supposed to be o...What a bummer! I thought Moab was supposed to be one of those flexible liberal places.<BR/><BR/>I'd love to hear more about Real Food Daily. I'm a big fan of their cookbook. What did you have?Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13416412232636141747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-53415177431467912912007-05-17T20:35:00.000-07:002007-05-17T20:35:00.000-07:00Having recently learned of my own gluten intoleran...Having recently learned of my own gluten intolerance, your blog is a god (or should I say "goddess"?) send. I've tried eating out just a handful of times since my diagnosis (which also includes anemia, low thyroid, low calcium, & some seriously off-kilter adrenal gland function. Thanks to a fab ND, I'm coming out of those woods). <BR/><BR/>The few times I have eaten out, I sit there feeling like The Problem and think I should have just stayed home and treated myself to a safe meal from my own kitchen. Only once were my requests treated with alacrity -- and the meal was delicious to boot.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the blog, thanks for your honesty, and thanks for the recipes. Keep 'em coming.kirstenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09789771023962578029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-35044204175815465282007-05-17T14:58:00.000-07:002007-05-17T14:58:00.000-07:00I too have limited my exposure to eating out. Eve...I too have limited my exposure to eating out. Even places that have gluten-free menus and understand the cross-contamination risks have made me sick.GrewUpRuralhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00560786667908902763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-15543454100557014482007-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:002007-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00As many bad experiences as I have had eating out, ...As many bad experiences as I have had eating out, I invariably wait awhile and then give it another go. I guess for me it is a social thing, wanting to feel normal and included. <BR/><BR/>But it is certainly maddening to explain in detail my needs to the manager and have my restaurant card refused, only to have my crouton-less salad come out with a side of bread. <BR/><BR/>I have had some good experiences too- the local Thai place really takes care of celiacs with a special menu and San-J soy sauce. I leave them a good tip! <BR/><BR/>Eating out is just a huge gamble, you never know if you will be graciously accommodated or treated like "The Problem", as you stated. And when you lose the gamble it is miserable! I don't blame you one bit for being a wimp about eating out. I think things are slowly getting better for those with food sensitivities, but there is a long way to go.Elizabethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-72736406763498004592007-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:002007-05-17T09:01:00.000-07:00Excellent post, Karina. You've expressed your tho...Excellent post, Karina. You've expressed your thoughts very well. Hospitality is as you described (meeting the needs of the guest cheerfully and with cooperation). And mere hospitality should not end with a private host or hostess, but should extend to restaurants as well. Many times the service industry forgets that they are there to serve. Eating veg*n is challenging in restaurants, but eating gluten free is even more so! Since we eat both --- it's near impossible and a rarity to eat out --- although DH braves it more frequently than you have been able to do. There have been times, though, that he has left a restaurant still hungry (nothing much he could eat) or that I have taken in gf pasta in a Rubbermaid in my purse for him to add to maranara sauce with a salad side. Simple tasks of life become so difficult.<BR/><BR/>Having been to Moab (pretty little place) I'm not surprised by your experience. There isn't really much there (as compared to those fab restaurants in Hollywood!).<BR/><BR/>Continued success with your detox. I suspect you'll be feeling much better soon and your body may be able to handle little things better (less sensitivity, etc.). Be well!La Tea Dahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03138624485398178242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-20135014265259081562007-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:002007-05-17T08:56:00.000-07:00On the topic of eating out, I'm going to be in San...On the topic of eating out, I'm going to be in Santa Fe in a couple of weeks and wondered if you could point me in the direction of a couple of restaurants willing to work with the gluten free diet.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your blog, by the way. I love reading it.Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18067396740885400269noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-59067899308966034682007-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:002007-05-17T07:46:00.000-07:00That phrase--I will have to give up painting--stru...That phrase--I will have to give up painting--struck me to the heart. I felt a terrible empathy as an artist (in the broad sense--a writer); and a selfish sorrow--for I've so liked the paintings you've had on your other blog.<BR/>I'm also wondering abt the restaurant problem--is there a national listing of gluten-free, celiac friendly places? I was just talking to a friend who talked about the difficulty of eating out with another friend of hers who is celiac--how she wished there was some way to choose more intelligently. If there isn't such a listing, shouldn't there be?lucettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04294368835776483342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-46711900824319886112007-05-17T06:20:00.000-07:002007-05-17T06:20:00.000-07:00Karina -- I'm so sorry to hear about your painting...Karina -- I'm so sorry to hear about your painting. I wish you all the best with your detox and return to good health. <BR/><BR/>I think restaurant dining is the ultimate challenge. My husband and I used to be very adventurous in our choices of restaurants and foods before my diagnosis. Unfortunately, a few bad really bad experiences have made dining out a rarity. <BR/><BR/>I wish we weren't on the other side of the nation from Shauna's Chef. It would be so wonderful to walk into their restaurant and order anything on the menu and not worry. <BR/><BR/>Take Care,<BR/>Sheltie Girl<BR/><BR/>www.glutenagogo.blogspot.comSheltie Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017566413309758029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-86614292959497143322007-05-17T06:05:00.000-07:002007-05-17T06:05:00.000-07:00So sorry! I, too, have decided that eating out is...So sorry! I, too, have decided that eating out is so not worth it! I so agree about finding it an adventure to cook for those with allergies (myself included). LONG before I ever found out about Celiac, if we invited someone for dinner, I always asked if there were allergies or dietary concerns.<BR/><BR/>Hoping that you have a better experience sometime in the future, if you decide to try it again!kbabe1968http://www.blogger.com/profile/04117515827760334473noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-25148160038064576832007-05-16T20:31:00.000-07:002007-05-16T20:31:00.000-07:00Hi Karina,I'm so sorry you have not been feeling w...Hi Karina,<BR/><BR/>I'm so sorry you have not been feeling well - thankfully, it seems as if you've gotten to the bottom of it. Heavy metal - damn, it's bad enough to have to listen to music that goes by this moniker, but to think that it's in our bodies!!! <BR/><BR/>I totally understand about your difficult dining out experience - it does put a damper on eating out, doesn't it? We have to eat out so frequently for our work, that I've just gotten used to believing and not caring about the fact that someone in the restaurant will think I'm a PIA. <BR/><BR/>It's a trip, this being gluten free. We just keep plugging along and educating the public (and our family and friends) as best we can, and know that we are doing what we need to do to remain safe and healthy. Even if it means others think we're from another planet. We are:).Ellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09893111630885423720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19281824.post-54026440423502824422007-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:002007-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00I'm shocked and sad that you were treated this way...I'm shocked and sad that you were treated this way, Karina. I just wanted to say the last time I ate out with a group and was the problem vegan, the chef called ME the morning of and assured me he would prepare something spectacular. He did. The whole restaurant was in awe of my beautiful plate and were disappointed it wasn't a menu item. THAT'S cusomer service!aTxVegnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17949520229934543457noreply@blogger.com